RCMP hunt for river dumper

The RCMP are looking for someone who never learned how to clean up after themselves.

On Wednesday, Feb. 19, Taber/Vauxhall RCMP received a complaint about televisions being thrown off the Municipal District of Taber bridge onto the frozen surface of the Oldman River. The items broke apart on impact. However, once the ice melts, these items will fall into the river and become a pollutant.

“The complainant saw the items on the river as they were driving past,” said Cst. Melanie Sokoloski. “Unfortunately, we haven’t located any witnesses or suspects yet.”

With the weather warming, RCMP deemed it unsafe to retrieve the items off the ice.

“We would definitely ask that nobody attempt to go out onto the ice to go get (the televisions) or clear them off,” said Sokoloski.

RCMP would like to remind local residents that television sets can be E-cycled at the Taber Bottle Depot for free. The depot is located at 6005 60th Avenue in Taber.

Anyone caught dumping pollutants into the environment can be charged under the Environmental Protection Act. It is important to recycle old electronics properly, as they can contain dangerous toxins.

“It’s certainly not a proper way to dispose of electronics,” said Sokoloski. “It would create a pollutant in the river.”

Anyone with information regarding this or any other crime is asked to contact Taber RCMP at 403-223-4447, or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Tippers are not required to identify themselves.